Lidl Ireland to raise €1 million for mental health charity

LIDL Ireland have pledged to raise €1 million for mental health charity Jigsaw.

The German company has already made many commitments to supporting Irish businesses, food producers, community projects and charities. Their latest charitable association aims to raise an impressive €1 million or more within the next three years. Over 4,200 of Lidl Ireland’s employees will take part in the fundraising drive.

We are delighted to announce a new, 3 year charity partnership with @JigsawYMH, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health in Ireland, who provide free confidential, professional support to young people aged 12-25, in 13 centres across Ireland. pic.twitter.com/KGphUnftou

Jigsaw is a charity which works to provide mental health services for children and young people aged between 12-25. The initiative with Lidl coincides with the ‘One Good Adult’ campaign, which encourages adults to simply be present and available to listen to young people and their problems.

Jigsaw Chief Executive Officer Joseph Duffy commented; “Without the commitment of strategic partners like Lidl, we simply cannot support all our young people that deserve our help. It is for this reason that Jigsaw is so excited to work with Lidl, in addressing a critical area for all their team, all the communities they are based and the country as a whole – our young people’s mental health. In order to drive the change we see as essential in youth mental health, we see this partnership between Lidl and Jigsaw as one that can inform, support, educate and empower a wide section of our communities, enabling a better understanding of our collective responsibility in supporting young people’s mental health. This partnership with Lidl enables us to do this with impact and at scale.”

Managing Director of Lidl Ireland, J.P. Scally said, “We are delighted to partner with Jigsaw to help inspire and make a positive difference for youth mental health in Ireland. Up to 60% of young people in Ireland with mental health problems do not seek professional help. Our aim through this partnership is to raise the profile of the fantastic work Jigsaw do and in turn reduce this number, by empowering our staff and customers to be ‘One Good Adult’ in a young person’s life. We want to empower all Irish adults to better support the young people in their lives and encourage young people themselves to seek help when and where they need to most”. (sc. Jigsaw Ireland)

Here’s how you can get involved.

Making a donation:By making a donation now online, you can make a difference today and help us to create an Ireland where every young person’s mental health is valued and supported.

Take on a fundraising challenge: Walk, run, cycle… Become a Jigsaw Hero, take on a fundraising challenge and help us to create an Ireland where every young person’s mental health is valued and supported. We’ve got a list of events here or create your own!

Looking for support? If you are struggling, or a young person you know is going through a tough time, we’re here to help.

Colin J McCracken is a content designer, editor and writer from Ireland. Giving form and function to the My Good Planet vision, it has been his role to design and develop the online platform, content and presence of the project.